chapter35

Lydia hadn't expected Grandpa Samuel to ask her to check on his eldest grandson. She froze for a moment, but Lucinda jumped in before she could speak. Grandpa Samuel, my sister is indeed amazing at acupuncture. Still, Connor's injury might be..."

I'm free. I'll take a look," Lydia said, not waiting for Lucinda to finish.

Samuel's face lit up. "Great, so it's settled?"

"Yeah," Lydia replied.

Lucinda's hands twisted together, her expression crumpling in disappointment. What was Grandpa Samuel thinking? Was he really ignoring her just because she wasn't related by blood? Connor liked her. She was supposed to be his fianc e.

Samuel didn't seem to notice Lucinda's reaction. He was just thrilled that Lydia agreed to see Connor, and he immediately signaled the butler to bring over a gift he'd prepared.

"Lydia, my dear," he said, holding out an old, dark red sandalwood jewelry box, "I'm just an old man, I don't really know what young girls like these days, but this... this was a love token I once gave my wife Heather. It was her favorite thing in the world. Now I want you to have it. I hope you don't mind that it's a little old-fashioned."

Before Lydia could answer, Kylie quickly spoke up. "This is such a valuable gift. Lydia can't possibly accept something like this."

Kylie knew exactly what was inside that box, and so did everyone in the upper circles of the Capital. Samuel's birth mother was descended from royalty, and when he got married, she gifted her daughter-in-law a set of priceless jewelry. It had become a Jefferson family heirloom, passed down to each new bride. Later, it went to Connor's mother, but after Connor grew up, she returned the set to Samuel before leaving the country for her health.

Lucinda had spent years hoping Samuel would give that set to her. She'd waited so long. But Lydia had barely come back for a day and Samuel was just handing it over?

Why her?

"She's the future granddaughter-in-law of the Jefferson family, so of course the jewels belong to her," Samuel said, making it clear how pleased he was with Lydia. He didn't care which grandson she chose. As far as he was concerned, Lydia was going to be part of this family, no matter what. Why not give the gift now and make her happy?

His words filled the room with an awkward silence. Lucinda had always seen herself as Samuel's granddaughter-in-law, Connor's fianc e. But now...

Grandpa Samuel, it's a new era. People get to choose who they marry," Lydia said, breaking the silence. "And honestly, I'm not planning on getting married any time soon."

Lucinda was stunned. She hadn't expected Lydia to reject him so directly. For a moment, she felt a little hopeful.

But Samuel just looked at Lydia, stubborn and sincere. Lydia, when a man grows up, he gets married. Same for women. If you don't want to get married right now, that's fine. You can wait a couple more years. The engagement was arranged with your mother before you were even born. We've already waited eighteen years. What's a few more? I have three grandsons, so pick whichever one you like. If any of them dares to refuse, I'll..... I'll deal with them myself."

Lydia could hardly believe her ears. Pick any of the three?

The others in the room were just as shocked. Was this really happening?